World football's teenage XI

With financial fair play regulations due to come into play sooner rather than later, it is important that clubs start to develop their own talents to save money from enormous transfer fees.

Here we take a look at the world's best teenage talent.

Goalkeeper: Stefanos Kapino | Panathinaikos

There was very little to choose from in this position with both Thibaut Courtois and Jack Butland having turned twenty recently, but this young Greek shot-stopper caught my eye. He has already made his full international debut and has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, which is impressive for a teenage goalkeeper.

The pacy and skilful Serb has not disappointed following his deadline day move to the champions of England last summer. He has taken advantage of an injury to club captain Vincent Kompany and has forced the likes of England international Joleon Lescott out of the team, making 25 appearances in all.

Centre-back: Raphael Varane | Real Madrid

To be a regular at the heart of Real Madrid's defence and to be capped by France before reaching the age of twenty is a magnificent achievement, and the sky is the limit for Varane. He is the youngest ever foreign scorer in La Liga having netted for the first time at just 18 years and 152 days.

The second youngest player ever to start a Bundesliga game, and a regular in the German national team, Draxler is an extremely talented player. He can play almost anywhere across the midfield, and has thrived this season playing over 25 times and scoring 10 goals. If any of Europe's bug guns move for him he could command a huge fee.

Centre-midfield: Mateo Kovacic | Inter Milan

The Croatian finally got the big transfer he deserved in January when Italian giants Inter Milan came calling and was handed the number 10 shirt previously worn by Wesley Sneijder upon arrival. His dribbling and passing ability has drawn comparisons to Luka Modric and he made his debut for Croatia against rivals Serbia earlier this month.

Centre-midfield: Paul Pogba | Juventus

Pogba qualifies for this list by virtue of the fact he only turned 20 earlier this month. Outspoken and confident, the midfielder raised eyebrows last year after refusing to sign a new contract with Manchester United and opting for a move to Juventus. However, his decision has paid off as he has thrived, scoring five times and making 21 league appearances, which is seven times the number he mustered at United.

Left-midfield: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain | Arsenal

The England international is no stranger to British football fans, as the public look to him to help lead England's next golden generation. Oxlade-Chamberlain's physical tenacity and technical ability led to England appearances last year after impressing for Arsenal and becoming the youngest ever English scorer in the Champions League.

Striker: Mbaye Niang | AC Milan

The powerful Frenchman's playing style has brought about comparisons to Milan colleague Mario Balotelli, as he looks to use his pace and strength to hassle opposition defences. Despite not having a great goalscoring return he has looked good, particularly in Milan's Champions League last 16 first-leg defeat of Barcelona. A player with huge potential.

Striker: Romelu Lukaku | West Brom (on loan from Chelsea)

After a disappointing first season with Chelsea in which first-team opportunities were hard to come by under manager André Villas-Boas, the big Belgian has been a revelation for West Brom this season. Having bagged 13 league goals in just 14 starts, he has become invaluable, and perhaps he can fill the void left by misfiring Spaniard Fernando Torres back at Chelsea.

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeFootball Writing Academy and does not represent the views of GiveMeFootball.com or SportsNewMedia.The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article. GiveMeFootball.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: http://gms.to/writeforgms

Report author of article

DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

Want more content like this?

Like our GiveMeSport Facebook Page and you will get this directly to you.